Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Odesnik Suspended for Two Years

From the ITF

19 May 2010

Decision in the case of Wayne Odesnik

The International Tennis Federation announced today that Wayne Odesnik has been found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation under Article C.6 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (Possession of a Prohibited Substance without a therapeutic use exemption).

Mr Odesnik, a 24-year-old tennis player from the United States, admitted to having obtained eight (8) vials of human Growth Hormone in the United States in December 2009, which he then brought to Australia in January 2010. Human Growth Hormone is a Prohibited Substance under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.

The human Growth Hormone was found in Mr Odesnik’s luggage by Australian customs officials. The ITF is very grateful to them, and to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, for their cooperation and support in this matter.

Mr Odesnik asserted that he had purchased the human Growth Hormone on professional advice to treat a recurring injury, and that he intended to apply for a therapeutic use exemption prior to using it. Mr Odesnik denied ever using any of the human Growth Hormone.

The ITF has no evidence to contradict that denial, but Mr Odesnik did not in fact obtain or apply for a therapeutic use exemption for the human Growth Hormone prior to obtaining it. Accordingly, Mr Odesnik’s possession of the human Growth Hormone is an anti-doping rule violation under Article C.6 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.

On that basis, the ITF has determined that Mr Odesnik should be suspended for two years, commencing as of 29 December 2009 and ending on 28 December 2011. In addition, all of Mr Odesnik’s results in competitions played since 29 December 2009 are disqualified, with consequent forfeiture of the ranking points and prize money that he won in those competitions.

The Tennis Anti-Doping Programme is a comprehensive and internationally recognised anti-doping programme that applies to all players competing at tournaments sanctioned by the ITF, ATP World Tour, and/or Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. Upon a finding that an anti-doping rule violation has been committed, sanctions are imposed in accordance with the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Code. More background information on the Programme, sanctions, tennis statistics and related information can be found at www.itftennis.com/antidoping.

"I accept the ITF's decision regarding my sanction for being in possession of a banned substance. I made an honest mistake and I regret the impact that my actions have had on the sport of tennis; a game that I have loved since childhood and one which has given me many great opportunities and memories. The sole reason I was in possession of this banned substance was under doctor's advice for treatment of a recurring shoulder injury. I was unaware at the time that this would be considered an anti-doping violation. I never have taken nor tested positive for any banned substance in my career. Finally, I want to thank all my family, friends, and fans who have been so supportive of me throughout this difficult time. During my time away from tennis, I will try to give back to the game in a positive way and use this experience to motivate me to work harder than ever."

2 comments:

I guess I'd be more inclined to listen to his side of the story if he had had the grace to stop playing until it was sorted out.

I still think this whole episode shows the ATP in a bad light. First, they dragged their feet dealing with the case; then finally came down with a harsh sentence. But one can't help feeling that they are very arbitrary in meting out their punishments -- if you are not a top player, you get slammed; if you are a top player, you get a slap on the wrist, or -- nothing.

It was always likely he was going to have to give back his prizemoney/earnings since the story came out, so it was either stupid or naive for him to keep playing.

I don't believe that he wouldn't be aware that this was an anti-doping violation. Considering how many substances are on the banned list, it seems pretty obvious to check, or to assume that it is probably on there. That's a terrible excuse.